When it comes to video games, Im a very selective type. Ive owned an Xbox 360, and I use my Playstation 3 on a daily basis, although not necessarily for gaming.

When I do decide to pick up a game, its usually a fair length after its been released and with a fair confidence that Ill enjoy it. So, needless to say Im not an authority on all things gamers, but I do know a fair bit about electronics, and getting a Playstation 4 (my preference) is inevitable.

Before you pick up a Playstation 4 (it launched yesterday) or an Xbox One (next Friday) for you or a loved one, there are a few things to take into consideration. As cool as it is to have the latest and greatest, these things come with a bit frustration, in my experience, especially on Christmas Day. I remember receiving a now non-existent digital media player in a pre-iPod world for Christmas and having to return it the next day, after an entire Christmas spent frustrated with the product and having it break.

Im sure many of you can relate, especially young millennials who are blessed with big-ticket Christmas gifts.

The Playstation 4 and Xbox One, although probably more reliable, are no different. There are always bugs and things that go wrong with brand new electronics.

However, there are some permanent things to keep in mind with these products. Neither is backwards compatible, meaning all of the Playstation and Xbox games you own are rendered worthless. Unlike the Wii U, which can play original Wii games just fine.

Another ongoing issue is the struggle between consoles and consumers with games digital rights. If the consoles had their way, theyd make it impossible for you to share, resell, or trade your video games. Microsoft announced that Xbox One featured this and it led to a huge outcry, which then led to a reversal on the policy.

Sony was against that, but has recently changed its terms of use to sport some vague legalese that may prevent you from taking your games to GameStop or selling them on Craigslist. Keep in mind that its speculation and we wont know how that will go down in the coming months, but its something to consider.

A pitfall that could dampen your experience is the lukewarm reception most launch-day games get. Theyre usually rushed into production for such a new product; they usually show off the fancy new features, but fail to really deliver on being good games. And, with previous-generation games being impossible to play, it can get easy to get bored with your brand new console.

With that said, Im always optimistic about the future of gaming. I think theres still untapped potential in interactive storytelling that can (and has in the past) become true works of art.

Ill keep my ear on the ground for new video games, but youre not gonna see me in line at midnight.

Tyler Scruggs is a writer, musician and pop culture enthusiast studying at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton.